“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 NLT)
“I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.” (Psalm 119:15 NKJV)
“My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.” (Psalm 119:148 NJKV)
I remember when I was a kid how common it was to memorize Bible verses. I would memorize verses in Sunday School and have memory verse contests in Vacation Bible School. As time passed, memorization became less and less popular. At some point more and more people decided that because memorization was “rote” it had little, or no, value. Today memorization is a lost art. I think that is because we don’t understand the spiritual power of “hiding” the Word in our heart.
Scripture Meditation is another lost art. I have been all about studying, reading, and listening to the Word, but haven’t had a clue when it comes to meditation. In the past I seemed to be afraid of the concept of meditation due to the rise of Eastern Meditation all around me. Far too often I have fallen prey to the fear of the possibility of taking part in what is false. My reaction to the error has created a new error. By avoiding non biblical meditation I have neglected meditating on the Word.
Memorization and meditation of the Word reverse the common approach that emphasizes human understanding. When I study the Word I use my mind to gain understanding. The Bible places value on study, however there is one potential drawback that I must be aware of. Typically when I study the Word I am in the driver’s seat and the Holy Spirit is my passenger. When I memorize the Word I bypass my understanding and simply “hide” the Word in my spirit (heart). I am giving the steering wheel to the Holy Spirit making Him the driver, and I become the passenger. I am depositing the Word within my spirit so that when it is needed the Holy Spirit is able to bring it to my mind. When I meditate on the Word that I have memorized I am partnering with the Holy Spirit to chew (ruminate) on the Word over and over again.
Memorization of the Word is especially valuable when I am in the midst of a circumstance, or situation, in which I am not being controlled by rational thinking. When I am alone and facing temptation to sin. Or when I am faced with danger and confronted with fear. When the urgency of the moment, or depth of temptation, is overwhelming my mind the Holy Spirit will bring the Word that I have hidden in my heart to the surface giving me the reminder I need, or the strength to overcome.
Meditation allows the Word to saturate every part of my being. As I think (ponder), and speak (mutter), the Word repeatedly I am “marinating” myself. By focusing on hearing the Word, rather than interpreting what it says, I am putting myself in position for the Holy Spirit to become my teacher.
I am going to resurrect the art of memorization and meditation in my life in order to experience…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 125: ” “Scripture Memorization and Meditation feed my spirit and renew my mind.” Part 1